Strict Limits on Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ Proposed by Experts, UK To Tighten Drinking Water Standards

Experts warn that the UK falls behind the EU in preventing 'forever chemicals' from polluting the rivers and oceans. This environmental issue adds to the growing public concern about water quality in the country.

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What are 'Forever Chemicals'?

'Forever chemicals' or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) refer to a large family of more than 4,700 highly persistent chemicals that do not occur naturally. Due to their ability to repel grease and water, these chemicals are widely used in various consumer products, such as waterproof cosmetics, firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, food packaging, textiles, and electronics.

Despite their utility, PFAS are considered pollutants associated with dangerous effects on livestock and the environment. When present in high doses, they can cause serious health problems such as liver and thyroid disease, cancers, immune and fertility issues, and developmental defects in unborn children.

Forever chemicals can enter waterways when the PPFAS-treated products break down. Since they do not degrade easily in the environment, they tend to migrate in the water and remain intact for long periods once released.

Overhaul in Drinking Water Standards

In the UK, water companies must test for 47 different types of PFAS. If the samples show high levels of PFAS, then they are not allowed to be used for drinking purposes by the UK's drinking water inspectorate. However, this is only guidance, and no legal requirement is imposed. As a result, people are still exposed to levels considered medium-risk without considering the thousands of other types of PFAS.

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has urged the British government to lower the acceptable levels tenfold and that all PFAs be tested. The institution also believes that the UK's drinking water regulations should mirror those of other countries and be brought closer in line with tougher limits that will come into effect next year in the EU.

The current limit of PFAS in UK drinking water is 100 nanograms (ng) per liter. Water samples are considered medium-risk if there are between 10 and 100 nanograms of specific types of PFAS. The water can still be used in this case, although the water companies must continue testing.

According to RSC policy adviser Stephanie Metzger, it was previously accepted that this level protected human health. However, further research has shown that the effects of PFAS on human health may occur at lower levels of exposure.

Using data from the open-access Forever Chemicals mapping project, the RSC has estimated that 5% of watercourses in England and Wales qualify as high-risk for PFAS levels. At the same time, one-third have medium-risk levels of this pollutant.

The traditional water treatment approaches cannot remove PFAS, so different water sources are usually blended to dilute the concentration. Some companies also try emerging technologies such as high-pressure membranes.

The RSC has also urged the government to establish a national inventory for PFAS and implement national chemistry regulation. No directive has been set in place since the UK left the EU.